CHESTER COUNTY — Tree Smashes Car Along PA Route 52

PENNSBURY TOWNSHIP, PA (April 8, 2025) —— A tree abruptly came crashing down on a driver’s SUV on Monday, April 7 along Pennsylvania Route 52.

The tree abruptly crashed on the back of the SUV on Monday morning, while traffic was stopped on Lenape Road before East Street Road in Pennsbury Township. 

The driver who was inside the car sustained injuries from the tree falling. She was transported to a hospital for treatment. Her car was taken to the impound lot, as it was completely destroyed by the tree.

PennDOT placed a damaged sign on the northbound lane shoulder. There has been no update on any tree maintenance.

Legal Options After a Tree Falls on Your Car in Pennsylvania

When a tree falls on your car while driving on a Pennsylvania highway, you’re suddenly faced with property damage, possible injuries, and numerous questions about liability and compensation. Here’s what Pennsylvania residents should know about their legal rights and options in this situation.

Determining Liability

The first crucial step is determining who’s legally responsible for the fallen tree. In Pennsylvania, liability typically depends on several factors:

• Government responsibility: If the tree was on public land (state or municipal property), the government agency responsible for maintaining that area might be liable, especially if they neglected proper tree maintenance.
• Private landowner liability: If the tree fell from private property adjacent to the highway, the property owner could potentially be responsible—particularly if they knew or should have known the tree posed a danger.
• Act of God: Sometimes, tree falls are considered “Acts of God,” especially during severe weather events like storms or high winds. In these cases, proving negligence becomes more challenging.

Steps to Take After the Incident

1. Ensure safety first: Move to a safe location if possible and call emergency services if there are injuries.
2. Document everything: Take photos of the scene, the tree, your vehicle damage, and the surrounding area. Note weather conditions and any visible signs the tree was unhealthy or poorly maintained.
3. File a police report: This creates an official record of the incident.
4. Notify your insurance company: Your auto insurance may cover damage regardless of fault, particularly if you have comprehensive coverage.
5. Preserve evidence: If possible, don’t remove the tree or repair your vehicle immediately. This evidence may be crucial for your claim.

Insurance Considerations

Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault insurance state, which can affect how your claim proceeds:

• Comprehensive coverage will typically cover tree damage regardless of fault
• Collision coverage may apply in some scenarios
• Property damage liability from the responsible party’s insurance may cover your losses if negligence is established

Legal Claims Against Responsible Parties

To pursue a claim against a potentially liable party, you’ll need to demonstrate:

1. The party had a duty to maintain the tree
2. They breached that duty through negligence
3. Their negligence directly caused your damages
4. You suffered actual damages (vehicle damage, medical bills, lost wages)

Government Claims Have Special Requirements

If pursuing a claim against a government entity in Pennsylvania, be aware of:

• Significantly shorter notice periods (often just 6 months)
• Specific filing procedures under the Pennsylvania Sovereign Immunity Act
• Damage caps that may limit your recovery

When to Consult an Attorney

Consider consulting with a Pennsylvania personal injury or property damage attorney if:

• Your damages exceed insurance coverage
• Liability is disputed
• You suffered significant injuries
• The responsible party is a government entity
• Your insurance claim is denied

A knowledgeable attorney can help navigate Pennsylvania’s specific legal requirements and work to secure fair compensation for your losses.

Remember that each situation is unique, and specific circumstances will determine your best course of action after this unfortunate event.

If you were involved in a car accident in Chester County, the Chester County personal injury attorneys at Munley Law can help. Contact the Montco car lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.

Note: Our team of writers uses secondary sources to produce this post, including local and state media and news sources, regional and state police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious accidents in Pennsylvania. For that reason, if you find any information that is not correct, be sure to contact Munley Law as soon as possible so that we can update the post with the most exact information available. A post will be removed upon request. All information in this post is informational and not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.

Disclaimer: All information in this post is informational and is not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.